On Friday, 66 cadets attended their graduation ceremony for Class 2-26A of the Basic Correctional Officer Academy. The graduation was held at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt.
The cadets underwent 13 weeks of rigorous training at the academy. These graduated cadets will serve in institutions across California, embarking on their new careers as correctional officers.
Marking the occasion, family and friends attended the graduation ceremony to cheer on their loved ones. Warden Eric Mejia from the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino delivered the keynote address, welcoming the new officers.
“You are stepping into a profession that demands strength, patience, and character – wear the badge with honor. The work you do may not always be seen by the public, but it transforms lives every single day,” said Mejia.
Fourteen of the graduates are women, or 21 percent. This highlights the continued efforts being made by CDCR to achieve the “30×30” pledge to have women make up 30 percent of correctional officer cadets by 2030.
“I always wanted to be in law enforcement. Today is a dream come true. I’m excited to go to work on Tuesday as a correctional officer,” said Nicole Wells, Class 2-26A graduate.
Story and photos by Emily Idleman, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.
Class 2-26A in photos
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